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Motherwell U19s are in action this coming Saturday when they take on Second Division side Arbroath at Fir Park.

With the rest of senior football taking a break for Scotland’s crucial double header, Gordon Young’s men will be looking to progress in a tournament they have struggled in over the last few years.

However, Arbroath will prove stiff opponents and ‘Well will have to be at the very best having lost to lower league opposition at the same stage of the competition last year.

Confidence is sure to be high amongst the Claret and Amber ranks though – ‘Well sit fifth in the table after seven matches; just six points behind league leaders Celtic.

Indeed, ‘Well are unbeaten now for well over a month, a run stretching four games which includes excellent draws against both halves of the Old Firm.

Head of Youth Development Gordon Young said, “We have had a decent start to the season with what is, by in large, a new group of players. We are playing at Fir Park and, for many of our players, this will be the first occasion they have experienced playing at such an arena in front of supporters.

“If you are not doing anything on Saturday and fancy some football ahead of the Scotland match, get along to Fir Park and support the U19s. The players would very much appreciate your support!”

Entry to the match at Fir Park will be £2 for adults and £1 for concessions (U16 and Over 60s) with kick-off at 1pm.

It is time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Cash Converters Player of the Month for September.

Every month this season, sponsors Cash Converters will give you the opportunity to present the Motherwell Player of the Month with a trophy.

All you need to do is vote for which ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for September and you could be chosen at random from all entries received, to congratulate our star man in person at Fir Park!

After Nicky law received the Player of the Month award for August, who do you think deserves it this month?

To cast your vote, simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page or by CLICKING HERE.

The link will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash, which will be taking place on November 5th , when Aberdeen visit Fir Park.

For the September Player of the Month – VOTE HERE.

There are some fantastic and unique lots currently up for action on the clubs’ own eBay store.

The club’s official eBay store is full of claret and amber goodies you won’t find anywhere else!

From signed merchandise to hospitality packages and money can’t buy experiences, fans have the chance to get their hands on some exclusive Motherwell memorabilia?

Previous auctions have included match-worn shirts, signed footballs, programmes, tickets, and even sponsor rights. Right now, we have three 2010/11 training sweaters (Bob McHugh, John Sutton and Ross Forbes), a signed Darren Randolph European goalkeepers jersey issued for the match versus Breidablik and two incredible items, signed match worn boots previously belonging to Tom Hateley and Ross Forbes.

CLICK HERE to browse everything at our official eBay store.

The club also run charity auctions from time to time where all proceeds go towards one of the many local charities we support.

If you wish to donate an item please contact us on 01698 333333 or email bid@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Standard eBay terms and conditions apply to any purchases.

Experience life as a professional footballer with the Steelmen this October week holiday.

Take your football skills to the next level and experience life as a Professional Footballer in our first ever, week-long MFC coaching programme during the October School Week from:

Monday 17th until Friday 21st October

For the first time ever, Motherwell Football Club is offering young people between the ages of 6 and 12 the opportunity to experience life as a professional footballer in our Academy Experience programme.

Academy Experience is a week long intensive programme which will replicate the coaching received by professional players, and will include

• Training sessions delivered by members of the first team squad
• Coaching session with Kenny Black our Assistant Manager
• Training session at Fir Park.

Comprehensive coaching will include game awareness, technique development, balance, creativity, and nutrition.

Academy Experience is designed to take young players to the next level of performance, and to instil in them the skills and confidence they require to develop their potential.

Coaching will be delivered by our highly-qualified SFA accredited coaches, and the young people will be rubbing shoulders with the first team professionals and youth squads. Participants will also be presented with a certificate signed by Motherwell Manager, and former Scotland star, Stuart McCall.

The five-day programme costs just £55 which includes a healthy breakfast. Players should bring their own packed lunch, and appropriate footwear and clothing – and a change to allow for inclement weather.

Click here to download our brochure.

For further information, and to book please call us on: 01698 239 926 or go to our website at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com

Michael Higdon was thrilled after his man-of-the-match display against Dundee United helped the Steelmen to a terrific 3-1 victory.

The summer signing from St Mirren doubled Motherwell’s lead, calmly capatalising on a Dusan Pernis mistake, after Keith Lasley had opened the scoring.

And the former Falkirk hit-man completed his brace, calmly firing home from the penalty spot, despite team-mate Steve Jennings initially trying to claim the responsibility. Higdon smiled: “Jenno came over to me and said: ‘On your bike lad’. No chance!”

The goals added a deserved gloss to an energetic, bustling display as the 28-year old who gave the United defence, including Scotland international Garry Kenneth, a torrid afternoon.

Indeed, it was the perfect response after receiving some criticism for his display against Aberdeen last week from the fans – and from himself.

[pullquote]I have to keep working hard and I got my rewards this week. I am looking to beat last season’s total of 15 and I am well on the way to that.[/pullquote]

“I watched the DVD of last week’s game and I’m surprised they didn’t boo me more than they did,” said a refreshingly honest Higdon.  “Hopefully they will enjoy their pint tonight and recognise I am a good player.

“Three points was the main thing and two goals to top it off. I didn’t turn up last week, and it was the same in the St. Johnstone game, so the lads have been carrying me the last couple of weeks.

“I have to keep working hard and I got my rewards this week. I am looking to beat last season’s total of 15 and I am well on the way to that.”

Stuart McCall was full of praise for two-goal striker Michael Higdon in the wake of Motherwell’s 3-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Higdon capitalised on a goalkeeping error and coolly slotted home a penalty as the bustling striker showed the qualities which convinced McCall to bring him to Fir Park in the summer.

It takes the former Falkirk man’s tally to a more than respectable six goals in eleven appearances, and his manager is in no doubt that the 28-year old will continue to be a real goal threat for the ‘Well.

“Before he scored, in the first three or four games, he’d had shots kicked off the line or headed off the line, so he could be in double figures by now,” the Steelmen gaffer praised.

“I’m pleased for him, he’s got some stick off some fans in our last home game, and he’s reacted well to it.

“He knows how much we value him. He trains hard, he’s a conscientious lad and the rest of the boys are behind him, as they are each other.

“From the first whistle we’ve got in about it. We’ve talked about all week that we need to defend as a unit and fight in the midfield. We knew the midfield area was going to be key and I thought  Higdon led the line very well. All the pieces of the jigsaw fitted together today.”

[pullquote]He knows how much we value him. He trains hard, he’s a conscientious lad and the rest of the boys are behind him, as they are each other.[/pullquote]

Higdon’s super brace was supplemented by a fine strike by Keith Lasley, who appears to have discovered something of a goal touch in his 30’s

The ‘Well legend fired in his third goal of the campaign against the Terrors – already his most prolific season since he racked up four in the 2003/04 campaign.

McCall joked that the 32-year old’s form was down to him showing Keith his ‘Two Greatest Goals’ DVD, before praising the fluency of his opener, and the subsequent team effort to see out the result.

The former Bradford boss continued: “The first was a great team goal, well worked and a great finish.

“With Jenno back in there back to his best, that allows Lasley and Law to get forward and in to the box, that’s what we’ve worked on. We had to match up with them in the midfield and it worked out well. It’s been a good day for us.

“Then to get the second goal just on half time was great. The ball fell right at Michael’s feet, but it was perhaps on his weaker side, so he’s done well to put it away.

“All in all it was a good day’s work, borne out of team effort really. The only negative is going home without the clean sheet.”

Pictures from the 3-1 win over Dundee Utd in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tannadice.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at motherwellPICS.

[svgallery name=”dundeeutd011011″]

[tab:Match report]

 Kris Jack at Tannadice

A Michael Higdon brace helped Motherwell to a comprehensive 3-1 win over Dundee United as the Steelmen ascended to second place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Keith Lasley’s rounded off a superb team move to slot home his third league goal of the season and give the Steelmen the lead. And Michael Higdon’s double either side of the break gave Stuart McCall’s charges a degree of comfort in Tayside.

Jon Daly countered for the hosts but ‘Well comfortably held on for a well-deserved away victory at Tannadice.

The result ensures Motherwell will sit in second spot in the SPL, for 24 hours at least.

For the fourth consecutive match, Stuart McCall stuck with the same starting line-up. Bob McHugh was unlucky to miss out after his late winner against Aberdeen, while Omar Daley also had to be content with a place on the bench.

United’s starting XI featured Craig Levein’s latest Scotland call up Danny Swanson and former Motherwell loan star Gavin Gunning. Johnny Russell was left on the bench alongside former Dundee man Barry Douglas. While contract rebel Scott Allan was left out altogether.

On what was a dreich, dank day in Dundee, Motherwell gave a first outing to their new silver away kit – in the hope of giving a shining performance.

And the first half started brightly enough. Motherwell’s first real opportunity came when Stevie Hammell and Nicky Law set up Jamie Murphy to deliver in to the box. His centre was knocked to Law by Lasley, with the former Rotherham midfielder’s shot blocked by Dixon.

Daly then gave Darren Randolph his first touch of the ball, heading too close to the keeper from 12 yards after good work on the left between John Rankin and Ryan Dow. 

United appeared to have a let off when Garry Kenneth appeared to handle in the box from Law’s attempted knock on, but ball-to-hand was called and no penalty was the decision.

Motherwell took the lead on 14 minutes – and did so in glorious fashion. A great diagonal ball from Law found Tom Hateley scampering down the right. His first time cross fizzed across the box to the on-rushing Keith Lasley, who blasted high beyond Pernis.

The 4-5-1 setup that McCall had employed was putting pressure on United’s midfield, as Steve Jennings , Lasley and Law seemed to dampen the threat of Willo Flood, Rankin and Swanson.

Law was next to have a crack at goal on 20 minutes. Higdon won a high ball at the second attempt, knocking down for the “Motherwell Messi” but his shot from the edge of the box drifted just wide.

A nice interchange on the edge of the United box between Higdon and Hateley set up Humphrey, whose shot from just inside the box was deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Higdon’s header floated just wide.

Dundee United attempted to find a response to Motherwell’s dominance and a surging run from Gary Kenneth almost caused chaos in the Well box, but Steven Hammell cleared the danger.

Early substitute Lauri Dalla Valle’s first involvement was a stooping header from a Keith Watson cross, which barely troubled Randolph. Jon Daly then volleyed over from the edge of the box as Dundee United exerted some pressure.

Kenneth once more escaped with an apparent hand-ball in the box when Murphy got in behind the Terrors’ defence. His attempted cross from the byline looked to strike the Scotland internationalist’s arm, but play raged on.

And Higdon made it 2-on the stroke of half time, thanks to a horrific blunder by Dusan Pernis. A terrible clearance from the Keeper landed right at the big striker’s feet with no one around him. He had time to compose himself before firing low across Pernis and in off the post.

It was the ex-St Mirren forward’s third league goal of the season and will probably be one of the the easiest he gets. It was the ideal finish to a first half in which Motherwell looked comfortable throughout.

A rare loose ball form Lasley allowed Jon Daly to send Swanson on a mazy run as United looked to respond in the second period. His shot from distance was struck with power but was blocked out by Clancy. From the resulting corner, Scott Robertson headed wide when he should have at least hit the target. 

A great run to the byline by Law earned his side a penalty on 64 minutes. His jinky waltz was halted when he was upended by Kenneth, leaving referee McLean with no option other than to give the spot kick.

Michael Higdon sent Pernis the wrong way for his second of the game. The travelling fans were noisily basking in being 3-0 up as Swanson and Robertson were hooked for Russell and Mackay-Steven.

Gavin Gunning tried to instigate a comeback against his old side with a rasping 30-yard free kick, but it was tipped round the post by the diving Randolph.  John Rankin was next to try his luck but blasted high, wide and not-so handsome as the ‘Well defence backed off him.

The Tangerines’ captain Daly eventually pulled one back for the hosts on 76 minutes. A low ball across the 6-yard line was palmed out by Darren Randolph. Watson was at the back post to feed Daly, who poked home from close range.

Despite the concession of the late goal no comeback was forthcoming. Indeed, Craigan and Clancy remained solid at the back, with Law, Lasley and Jennings winning everything in the midfield as Motherwell saw the game out for a superb away win ahead of the upcoming international break.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alan Burrows at Tannadice

Game over – 3-1 Well, great victory that sees us jump into second for at least one night!!

90mins – Unbelievably FIVE minutes are being added on – don’t know where that came from!!

87mins – another change, on comes Daley off goes Humphrey

86mins – Sub for Well, Carswell on for Murphy

78mins – GOAL Dundee United. Jon Daly (again vs Motherwell). Scrappy too!

76mins – Rankin shot from distance flys high into the Eddie Thomson stand. Didn’t close home down quick enough there…

72min – Game still tight here despite Motherwell’s lead. United look good on the attack but Craigan and Clancy doing well at the back.

68mins – Offt, former defender Gavin Gunning almost makes it 3-1 with a rasping free-kick by Randolph turns it wide. Brilliant!

64mins – Higdon slots home for his 6th of the season so far! Love the big man… Buzzin for him!

GOOOALLLLL – Michael Higdon! #handsupforhiggy

63mins – PENALTY to Motherwell!

62mins – Great counter attack by Motherwell/ Murphy breaks, plays in Lasley but him, Pernis and Dixon pile in. Keeper saves! #brave

57mins – Corner from Swanson finds Robertson unmarked but his header drops a good foot or so wide. Should have done better there….

56mins – Slack ball across the middle of the park from Las is given away. United break, Clancy blocks for a corner.

51mins – Corner from ‘Well causes problems in the home box. Ball lands at Lasley but his shot almost takes out the lineo on the far side.

50mins – Signal had gone there but back now! 5 mins into the second half and nothing much happening.

Half Time: Dundee Utd 0 – 2 Motherwell (Lasley, Higdon)

45mins – Right on half-time, Pernis shanks a kick right to big Higgy. He keeps his composure to make it 2-0. #handsupforhiggy

GOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLL HIGDON!!!!! YA WEE BEUTY!

44mins – Free kick from the half way line is floated into the box for Kenneth but his header bounces wide. Half time would be welcome…

44mins – Half Time tea is on its way to the gantry – wonder if it’s still the molten lava variety the causes your mouth to fall off?

41mins – Daly follows that with a looping shot from about 35 yards that goes WAAYY over the bar.

40mins – Scooped cross from the right by Watson lands at Dalla Valle but his looping header is comfortable for Randy.

36mins – United’s extra man in attack has forced Motherwell into knocking it longer for Higgy. Kenneth is winning the headers at the moment.

35mins – Passing football has gone out the window as Gary Kenneth puts one in orbit. Ball came down like a hailstone…

34mins – The change has perked United up a bit – crowd seem a bit more up for it too! Half-time wouldn’t be a bad thing for ‘Well just now.

30mins – The Finnish striker will certainly give United more options going forward. It’s now 2 vs 2 in the middle of the park! C’mon ‘Well!

30mins – That’s United going two up top now… The one up in Daly wasn’t working for the home side, allowing ‘Well to play from the back.

30mins – Sub for United already – Ryan Dow is coming off and is replaced by Dalla Valle! That’s tactical from Houston.

29mins – Motherwell burst forward. Space opens up for Humphrey but his shot is deflected wide for a corner…

27mins – Game has slowed down slightly which will suit Motherwell I think. Was 100mph but tailed off in the last few mins..

22mins – Some nice football on display from the Steelmen so far. United still look good going forward. More goals to come I am sure of it…

20mins – @N7KOL4W7 sends a shot from about 20mins a few yards wide of the post. Good effort from the wee man! More of this please Motherwell

20mins – Great play from Captain Crags… Slipped on the edge of the area but still got a goal kick from it. #oldhead

17mins – With 73mins left, I am already looking towards ref Stevie McLean. That’ll do us ref eh? :-p

14mins – Lasley’s third goal of the season. His highest tally for one season in his Motherwell career if memory serves me! YASSSSS!

14mins – Great goal from the Steelmen! Law sends Hateley down the right. His cut back finds Lasley who smashes it high into the top corner

GOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! KEITH LASLEY!

11mins – Handball shout here at Tannadice – Gary Kenneth catching it with the hand. To be fair, only claimers was Graham, Kris and I.

10mins – Great running from Nicky Law – turning midfield into attack but his ball across the box had no takers. #encouraging

8mins – Twice United have found Daly in the box early on. Wee warning shot across the bow I’d say. Need to stop crosses at source.

7mins – Another chance from United. Cross from the left this time – from Ryan Dow – picks out Daly in the area but his header is saved.

6mins – Been a good start to the game from both sides. Trying to play football on the carpet and play swinging from end to end.

5mins – First half chance of the game goes to United. Good decent cross if the match by Watson finds Daly but his header drops wide. Phew!

4mins – Hammell and Law combined. Former Rotherham man gets a good shot away but it is blocked by the Utd defence. Good early stuff!

2mins – First offside of the game – Think it was Swanson. It’s quite quiet inside Tannadice. Hopefully ‘Well fans will warm-up soon…

1min – Inside the opening 30 seconds and Jenno catches Tom Hateley. Yes, you did read that right. He’ll be okay though!

1min – ‘Well kick-off! C’mon the Steelmen!!!!!!!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“We’re miles above our target and we’ve got to be careful we don’t get carried away. First and foremost, our target is to be in the top six.

“Outside the Old Firm and possibly Hearts, who have a big squad, and Jim McIntyre at Dunfermline who is probably looking for consolidation, every other manager believes they can be in the top half.

“And that’s quite right. There are a lot of good and evenly balanced teams. To have the number of points we have is great. The lads have been fantastic but we’ve got to keep it going.”

Dundee United manager Peter Houston:

“We weren’t near it. We played against a good Motherwell side who looked hungrier, sharper and fitter than us.

“Normally I can’t accuse my players of not working hard but the team that worked the hardest won the match.

“It was a really, really poor performance. The better team won.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”72″]

Stephen Craigan has backed Jamie Murphy to put his Scotland snub behind him as Motherwell travel to Tannadice this weekend.

The former Scotland under-21 starlet has once again been overlooked by current national boss Craig Levein ahead of the Scots crunch ties against Leichtenstein and Spain, despite regularly starring for the Steelmen in the last couple of seasons.

But the current ‘Well captain believes Saturday’s encounter gives the 22-year old the perfect chance to shine – in front of Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston’s Dundee United side.

“I’d love to see my team-mates get involved with international football,” Craigan admitted. “And the fans would love to see their players playing for their country.

“He’s [Craig Levein] watched Motherwell and thinks a lot of Jamie. Maybe he thinks there are parts missing to his game or doesn’t know his best position. I think Jamie is adding to his game all the time – maybe he just needs a little bit of consistency.

“I’ve no doubt that he’ll keep progressing and keep doing well.

“Sometimes when you work with players at clubs you know their weaknesses and strengths and exactly what they can bring. He’s done that with Craig Conway, David Goodwillie and, now, Danny Swanson.

“He’s the man who picks the squad and decides who is up to scratch, and if he thinks there are other players that can do a better job then fair play to him. If Craig doesn’t want to pick a Motherwell player then that’s just the way it is.”

[pullquote]I’d love to see my team-mates get involved with international football and the fans would love to see their players playing for their country[/pullquote]

In recent weeks Houston’s Terrors have begun to string together results and performances befitting a team which has been one of the most expansive and successful sides out-with the Old Firm in the past two seasons.

Despite the loss of David Goodwillie, Prince Buaben, David Robertson, Morgaro Gomis and several other key players, United have managed to string together a run of results which has seen them only lose once in five outings – an unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Rangers.

Perhaps more unnerving for the Steelmen is the fact the Tangerines have scored three goals in three of their last four Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches. There is little doubt a tough trip to Tayside awaits Craigan, Murphy and co.

“Dundee United have shown in the last couple of years that they are one of the top sides in the country,” Motherwell’s most capped player praised.

“It’s been tough for them as they’ve lost a lot of players. The European campaign, for example, saw them about four or five players down from where I think they’d like to be.

“But they have shown that they can score goals. Yes, they conceded three to St. Johnstone, but they scored three. They scored three against Hibs and Inverness. They undoubtedly carry a threat, and with Jon Daly, Johnny Russell and Danny Swanson they will be a real threat.”

A win at Tannadice would be a huge fillip for the ‘Well, especially heading into the upcoming international break. Indeed, a win would guarantee Motherwell go into that break with at least a four-point cushion in third place.

And while other players may be dreaming of international call-ups, the former Northern Ireland skipper admits that he will be enjoying some down-time as the scramble to reach Euro 2012 reaches its conclusion.

He smiled: “That’s why I retired; the fact that you do get a little bit of down-time to recover. I’ve been able to book some time away with my wife and little ones.

“We’ve had a busy spell with tough games and for me to try and play well for Motherwell I’ve got to be fresh – fresh in the mind and the body.”

Stuart McCall has challenged his Motherwell side to continue their marvelous away form as they travel to Tayside to face Dundee United on Saturday.

Motherwell have been to St Mirren Park, Rugby Park, Broadwood and East End Park without tasting defeat. Indeed, even as we move into October, the Steelmen have only lost once away from Fir Park this season, as an in-form Celtic swept aside McCall’s men 4-0.

The ‘Well boss is under no illusions just how tough it will be to retain that away record at Tannadice, but he has backed his attacking stars to cause United – who have shipped eight goals in their last four SPL outings – some serious problems.

“I look at my own team,” the manager mused. “If we can carry on our away form and go there and carry on the away form we’ve produced up to now then we have a chance.

“We have to be disciplined and organised and work hard as a unit. But we want to combine that with being energetic in the middle of the park and creative up top with clinical finishing.

“We know it will be an extremely tough game – but we have the players to make it a tough game for Dundee United.”

[pullquote]We have to be disciplined and organised and work hard as a unit. But we want to combine that with being energetic in the middle of the park and creative up top with clinical finishing[/pullquote]

While acknowledging the potency of his own attacking options, McCall has conceded that Motherwell’s defensive unit will have to be at its very best against the fearsome attacking trio of Johnny Russell, Jon Daly and recent Scotland call-up Danny Swanson.

‘Well registered a welcome clean sheet last time out against Aberdeen, and more of the same would do the former Bradford boss just fine.

He continued: “In the main we’ve defended well, and we’ll need to do so again. It’s not just the centre-backs – it’s the team as a whole unit. I’ve said before that I’d rather win 5-4 than 1-0 but you need a strong basis at the back and defend soundly.

“Jon Daly will always score you goals and Johnny Russell is looking to step up to the plate after David Goodwillie leaving.

“It’s always a hard place to go, Tannadice, and they undoubtedly have individuals who can hurt you.”

A win would see ‘Well go into the international break at least four points ahead of their nearest challengers for third spot – a remarkable achievement considering the budget and comparative paucity of the squad at Fir Park compared to some other sides in the SPL.

“It would be a massive boost,” the 47-year old said, looking at the possibility of a win ahead of the hiatus.

“After the break we then have Hibs away, and that takes us to our first sort of split – with the first eleven games of the season finished.

“We are very happy with the points we have at the moment, but a few more before the first round of eleven matches would be very welcome indeed.”